LTS

The backwards compatibility issue these days is generally centered more on the changes in the core processing architectures than who wants to make a buck. The Xbox One changed it's CPU as did the PS4 if I am not mistaken. The older generation of CPU simply was not powerful enough. In addition, at least for Microsoft, they were focused on homogenizing their operating systems and that also necessitated a code base change. Thus the emulators need to be built to play them again. So Microsoft has the 360 emulator now. The problem with being a PC gamer is the constantly sliding scale to which games are built. So you can have backwards compatibility but the longevity of hardware is much much shorter. So, if you have the money to drop on replacing equipment you will be fine. Granted, with the increased requirements usually comes some amazing visuals but the core of a great game is not based on visuals alone.

I think the goal this year was to get a shot at a lottery pick and nothing more. It doesn't matter where in the race of "out of the playoffs" they finish. They are playing improved hockey. The problem now is that the Sabres don't have depth. So Ennis and Pysyk are out and that puts more responsibility in the hands of the lesser talent. The good news is that now when there is an injury they are generally subbing in some AHL talent for NHL talent rather than ECHL talent for AHL talent. In addition, the Sabres can't play and offensive and defensive game simultaneously yet. They can play either/or. When they try to open up the offense they end up too exposed on the back end, especially against other teams. If they want to shut down other teams they won't get enough offense. I still think they have the ability, just not the experience. Next year is the year.. this year is to establish the style of play, the chemistry and to determine who gets voted off the island.

There are ways to do it and not be a complete ass about it. There are a million ways to cheat but he makes a mockery of the game. There are plenty of agitators in the league and there are guys who can actually score as well but they aren't Marchand. It's not the role, it's the person. Hell.. I play hockey and do those things. I will say things, I will poke and prod and irritate the crap out of guys.... but when I receive it I don't begin flopping around like a fish on the pavement. I don't run away and hide. He's a joke. Unprofessional? You should sit in some of my management meetings then. I used to work for a CIO who spewed enough F-bombs in a 30 minute meeting to level a small city. Meh...

I'd become a Leafs fan if that happened. Just because. I'd hate it. I like guys who can do it cleanly. Never was much of a Barnaby fan... The problem for the Bruins is that Marchand leads them in goals. How true..... :) And Josi is a beast. I forget which national analyst I was listening to who said that Josi is definitely the top D in Nashville over Weber.

The Brandon Prust vs. Brad Marchand feud is going well. This has Marchand's follow up but I was laughing pretty hard when I read Prust said his $5k fine for spearing Marchand was money well spent. http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/14313369/brad-marchand-boston-bruins-responds-comments-brandon-prust-vancouver-canucks-spearing-fine

The media is always a joke. Rare is anyone who has anything of substance. Most corporate events that are consumed by the public are pre-washed heavily by the legal and marketing teams. Each word and action crafted with precision. How is he let into the school? Well, the media has to walk the careful line of alienating themselves from their customers. Go too hard on a guy, especially when kids are involved (school) and it's a risk most would not take. As for why he's the last man standing? If I am not mistaken was he not also the first man standing? His relationship with Pegula is pretty deep as I see it. He's not likely to go unless the dirt (if there is dirt) gets bad and the corporation needs to save face.

Well.. the solution was already created in that things were moved to another thread. But yeah.. they belong in another thread. Here's the thing. I completely appreciate your skepticism and I think you have a desire to find something that is being covered up. I'm not saying it is and I don't have the time or wherewithal to pursue such matters. It would seem that you would be best suited to be some level of investigative journalist and get the scoop on such things and bring it to light. Keep going.. But, the caution has to be that calling a duck a duck before you know how it quacks and walks is a bit risky and may undermine your point and weaken your overall positions. There is loads of corruption that occurs at these levels and I am not so naive to think it does not. However, there are also decent people doing things in situations that turn bad. You'll have to have to produce the fire though. It's not enough to just yell "Smoke".

Ahh XBOne for me so no playing. I've heard from friends who are happy with this release. The bugginess I refer to is in games like NHL 16 (awful), Battle front, etc. I'm pretty sure I am in at this point.. just need to find the right deal. :) Last night I gave up on NHL 16. They have done so much to try and make the game better that they've succeeding in making it awful. The network performance is terrible, the AI is brutal (I've had my defense score numerous goals on my own net in many ways). The players skate right past pucks and don't pick them up (and yet they introduced seamless puck pickups this year). I can't even begin to go on about just how awful it is. Each tuner they've released this year has made the game WORSE to play. It's kind of amazing. I used to play the game exclusively (NHL 13). I skipped 14 because I hated the controls and 15 I purchased for XB One and it was terrible. I had hoped the 2nd game on this generation console would be much improved and I was horribly incorrect. The beta play seemed so good too. I have no idea what happened between the beta and launch.. but never again will I drop a dime on it until I can read nothing but high praise in their forums.

If it's so important to get your message across then perhaps you should try doing it in a method where people don't immediately tune you out. Seems rather counter-productive. Granted you have the people who will sing your praises regardless of where and how it's said. But even a fool can get a few followers. Good to see some positive stuff about Buffalo: http://www.si.com/nhl/2015/12/04/buffalo-world-junior-championships-nhl-draft-combine-hockey-events-terry-pegula

Platform? I was thinking about getting it. I haven't been crazy about playing FPS games over the past year but I might give it a shot. I have friends who are playing too. Mostly disappointed with games these days that seem to be bug ridden and poorly executed. I do think the allure of big money is causing some seriously poor decision makers among the executives at these companies. It should settle itself down sometime in the future but I think it will take awhile.

http://www.tsn.ca/statistically-speaking-sabres-ristolainen-rising-1.403018 12 points in the last 12 games for Buffalo. He doesn't suck.

Okay... we've exceeded the quota for non-hockey talk in the around the NHL thread. :)

It's like speeding. That's all I will say. Got my shipper here.. ready to go when it's time. :)

Yea.. because I might start drinking one thread too early. Go Sabres! Can't wait.. it cannot be said enough... I look forward to games now. That's so refreshing.

Could they have that stadium built in time? If so, then could you imagine if the announcement was both the WJC, outdoor games, and that they will be held at the new stadium that will be built by then? I don't think they could get it build by then... Levi's Stadium broke ground April 2012 and opened July 2014. They would have to start now and beat that timeline to have it done in time.

I'd be interested... no doubt. Although you might be have a hard time with so many of us being in the same distribution area. :)

I suppose to make it fair to all teams they should each play 1 game outdoors... right? I mean the ice surface will be there! No matter what this is awesome and I know I will be attending games next year with my son. I cannot wait.

That was absolutely classic.

One Buffalo has a high wheat base. It's more of a lightly hopped wheat pale than anything if I recall the original description properly. Sigh.. someone needs to trade me some beers... :) If you like Christmas Ales then you should like this. I'm not a HUGE fan of Christmas Ales.

I think people need to look at the Sabres system before the talk about the front of the net. I don't see the Sabres prioritizing the front of the net at all. While you can trot out the mantra of "control the slot" there are systems that allow for the attacker to be there while the defender is busy preventing the puck from getting there in the first place. I'll watch more for that but off the top of my head I don't think any Sabres defenders hang out in front of the net for too long. The other key comparison is to note that Ristolainen's age relative to the others. Defenders aren't generally THIS good at THIS age. So, where does he project in 2 more years? He's definitely one of the best Sabres on the ice. He's definitely calculating but he makes the smart play most of the time and he usually doesn't get himself out of position. He's a threat in the offensive zone when he needs to be and he hits when it makes sense. He's not perfect... I recall Subban being almost a joke at this age. He had all kinds of flashes of talent but he was so emotional that he'd get himself out of position all the time. Now look at him...

I think the black pads that the Blackhawks goalies where are also a problem. It obscures the view of a puck and may make it harder to see if a puck crosses the line because it creates a larger black field.

It's not poopy scheduling. The general populace does not care about November/December games. Football is dominating people's minds. The NHL is getting the cross-country games out of the way early so that they can have the focus of the second half of the season on conference/divisional play (except for Tampa.. I can't explain that). In the second half, when people are interested in hockey more, they will be presented with games that have more meaning in the standings and probably carry a bit more animosity.

Well, the guy has a history of being a hothead so it's not necessarily isolated to this particular moment. However, I do think there have to be other issues at play for a blow up of those proportions to occur. Also.. the Lakeshore rink gates are just as bad these days, almost lost a finger in one. There are a lot of bad parents. I hear all kinds of stuff and it really bothers me how much some people put into the game and on their children. Coaches do get bombarded by parents with "ideas", etc. Most of the time you can just pass it off but I know there are some really toxic relationships in the area. It's sad... the kids are supposed to have fun and enjoy what they are doing. Taking away from that because of some screwed up belief that your child will be an NHL great is robbing them of some important years in their lives.

So, as I mention, I coach youth travel hockey (Age 11). Last night just blew my mind. We're losing to the other team 4-3. They are a local Rochester team as are we. Our head coach used to coach in their organization but moved last year. There is a bit of animosity between the two and they get a little jacked up when playing each other. So, just inside the start of the 3rd period there is apparently a missed offsides call right in front of the opposing coach. Then his player gets called for interference, no debate as he bowled over a kid without the puck. The coach lost his mind. He began screaming as loud as I have ever heard anyone. He let a few f bombs drop and got a bench minor from the ref. That's when he proceeded to lose everything else. He was so enraged that he tried to get on the ice and could not even get the door to open. Finally the ref called a forfeit against his team and ended the game. I'm waiting to see what USA Hockey does to this guy. He should be suspended at least 2 years from coaching (if not permanently). He's also a hockey referee himself and I've heard he's on the local board for officials. I can only imagine how that will go over. Talk about doing the wrong thing for all the wrong reasons. He cost his team the game and likely ruined his involvement with youth hockey for a long time. I bet he made his son proud too. Eeeeesh.

I should post here so this goes near the top. Go Sabres. Won't see much tonight, if any. Hockey tournament and we get a 6:50pm start and then a 7:20am start tomorrow. Go us.